tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47063772531823298892024-03-14T04:18:39.108-04:00fold over riceto inspire artists, writers, and journalers to keep doing.Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-26823055254041895252019-05-18T11:35:00.000-04:002019-05-18T11:35:12.338-04:00my thoughts & medieval medicine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7pl_Wzo9Kac/XOAfFwPeReI/AAAAAAAAAik/AQqYAnpMiSEw-YV9DAlMCLpilRVo9GgAQCLcBGAs/s640/2019-05-18%2B10.47.59%2B1.jpg" width="636" /></div>
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The card above is a print from a medieval English manuscript: <i>Secretum secretorum</i>, England, circa 1475-1500. It deals with medieval medicine, focusing on the influences of the zodiac on the body. I decided to tuck it away in my zipper case not only because as a person interested in the sciences I admire the historical changes medicine has undergone, but because the manuscript's poetic translation purports to be a letter from Aristotle to his student Alexander the Great. The title translates to "The Secret of Secrets" and it was influential to European intellectuals during the Middle Ages. I knew that I wanted it in my notebook, a reminder of the power of writing over time.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJYdSZ72bRk/XOAco44bzFI/AAAAAAAAAiU/l-ZBYtCoUScpUSvvvH_7A99Bm4-e0kjlwCEwYBhgL/s640/2019-05-18%2B10.46.08%2B1.jpg" width="638" /></div>
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I've been pondering the best way to get into writing here again. Posting feels like speaking another language after you haven't practiced it in quite a while, or trying to remember how to make an old recipe without the instructions. It is rusty at first, but slowly and surely you find yourself back into it.<br />
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This past year has been full of changes. I wrote all the time, finally realizing the concept of a diary and depending on my paper and pen to make sense of my days. This is the interesting part about having a public blog and wanting to keep certain things private. It didn't feel right to share my writings or paintings, and so I didn't. I felt relieved, as though I didn't need to perform for an audience; I took risks with my passions and thoroughly enjoyed them.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGpBY9hkSAk/XOAdWeZSaAI/AAAAAAAAAic/e65-LUaVHO8_LywY6iF8TuuTZy5YVmOvwCEwYBhgL/s640/2019-05-18%2B10.46.41%2B1.jpg" width="638" /></div>
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For the first time, I am ready to come back. Being comfortable with what I choose to share and what I don't is the most freeing in the world, really. I look forward to sharing my passions again.Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-3410118759421512942018-01-01T16:31:00.003-05:002018-01-01T16:31:24.643-05:00the new year brings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VP5RWt0JMKM/Wkql4L0gwxI/AAAAAAAAAfg/qu22Vqs7HrEb3ppEUHPnTg-K-bv4keW_ACLcBGAs/s640/20180101_161643.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This morning I remembered that I still needed to decorate a notebook insert for 2018. I use several inserts in my Midori, but I always like to carry one that is year-specific. So, I was excited to break out the Cotman watercolors I received for Christmas and get started.</div>
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I enjoy having quotes or phrases to look at--particularly if they've inspired me at a certain point in time. I was able to include several. They do appear a little eccentric when put together, but I felt that they depicted the way I felt about the previous year...and what I wanted to keep in mind for this one.</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">"</span><span style="background-color: white;">When I let go of what I am</span><span style="background-color: white;">, I become what I might be." </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">―</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Lao Tzu</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">“I have always had more dread of a pen, a bottle of ink, and a sheet of paper than of a sword or pistol.” </span><span style="background-color: white;">― </span>Alexandre Dumas</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><i>“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” ― Kalu Ndukwe Kalu</i></span></h1>
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I hope that you all have enjoyed the holiday season and make the most out of the new year. As I head back into my old routine, the same remains in my heart.</div>
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-69721805372074063572017-12-02T18:42:00.000-05:002017-12-03T12:23:15.709-05:00Review: AsianVintage Traveler's Notebooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQX0c67r0nI/WiLgsw0meZI/AAAAAAAAAdc/QXArtaCAUlM2a7tBRhvRSpOfourJ1B05ACLcBGAs/s640/20171202_120454.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Today I will be reviewing for <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AsianVintageTN" target="_blank">AsianVintageTN</a>, a shop for handmade traveler's notebooks and journals made with genuine leathers. Run by Len and based in Illinois, it acts as "your source of Asian journals, planners and supplies." </div>
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I was first drawn to these notebooks because of their similarity to the Traveler's Company notebooks (which I still refer to as Midori). I was curious to know how they would hold up. I know that a lot of writers and journalers prefer the genuine and authentic version, but I like the creativity in innovation and design. </div>
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Len was kind enough to send me two notebook covers for review, along with refills. I received the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/512703368/sale-camel-asian-vintage-travelers?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">camel</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/515730418/olive-asian-vintage-travelers-notebook?ga_search_query=olive&ref=shop_items_search_4" target="_blank">olive</a> standard sized covers, which are currently sold for $27.00 and $35.00, respectively. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lG3wk8xUovs/WiLha3XKoOI/AAAAAAAAAdk/XYpUuKuxmt8XCa0h3RyH4lh2eVlaQa9swCLcBGAs/s640/20171202_120522.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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They both arrived without any scratches, but I like to use products for a little while before putting my review in writing. Here are the covers after about two weeks of use.</div>
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The first thing I noticed was that both covers were very smooth. The camel was much softer and scuffed very easily. The camel cover had a bit more of a harder feeling to it, and did not scuff as easily. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tz-9s2Cl0vA/WiLhxcJQIoI/AAAAAAAAAds/Ev34_yiBeEEg-xv3jYXzVBj5q0I2dzyNgCLcBGAs/s640/20171202_120540.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The bottom left corner of each back cover was stamped, though using two separate stamps.<br />
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Three blank refills, along with a zipper pouch and card slot insert, came with the notebooks. The blank inserts had stitched binding, rounded corners, and off-white paper.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3j8Pfwz9Cgo/WiLlqIuY3TI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/DHAnVWY290oANu1NcR42SqshwtCW-EHAACLcBGAs/s640/20171202_123346.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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There are the usual tin clasps, though they appear slightly bigger than the one on my Midori and differ in color.<br />
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The insides of the camel cover are raw and soft, whereas the olive one is smoother but still harder. Both covers have thinner leather than that used for Midori (Traveler's Company).<br />
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Above is a photo I snapped of the packaging when I first received the notebooks in the mail. The cardboard boxes and elastics are all very similar packaging to the Midori. </div>
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I liked the shop's touch of including their own pamphlet in the front. Doesn't it make you want to travel and view nature?</div>
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Each notebook cover came in a linen bag, with an extra elastic. I ended up swapping out the main elastics for both covers, which is why the camel cover has the olive elastic and vise versa.</div>
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The olive notebook cover has an unnecessarily long elastic bookmark, which I later ended up cutting and knotting in order to match the camel one on the left. This seemed like more of a quality control issue than anything else.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0xP_1nA2C0/WiLloZ-UcBI/AAAAAAAAAeI/gq4L-7HXZqkWVmUzPypEAaSV2g1GMqrgwCLcBGAs/s640/20171202_123330.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I noticed that the covers appeared larger. After comparing them to my black Midori, I found that they were in fact around half an inch wider. This solves the issue of overhang that a lot of TN users complain about, which often results when one uses more than two inserts in their notebook cover.<br />
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Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the notebooks and their quality. The leather is thinner, something I didn't personally like. The easily scuffed nature is also something to consider, depending on how fast you like your leather to show wear. For instance, my black Midori shown above has been in use for two years and I like the slow character it is gaining.<br />
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Because AsianVintage TNs look so similar to Traveler's Company, they act as a good substitute. If you appreciate their characteristics, I'd urge you to try them out.<br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #020202;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disclosure: I was sent these notebooks in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own, and I was not compensated in any other way. </span></i></div>
Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-65047929614941843492017-10-21T12:43:00.000-04:002017-10-21T12:43:05.290-04:00Service Women Stamp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The zipper pouch of my traveler's notebook plastic insert houses paper ephemera, such as an old map print and a decorative paper for French men's watches; things that I find interesting. I was able to add this 1952 3c "Service Women" stamp, a deep blue paper that shows women in uniform from the Marines, Army, Navy, and Air Corps.<br />
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It's so small in proportion to the size of the insert, but it was something that really touched me. That's why I found it nice to flip open my Midori and have it as one of the first things I look at. Girl power, am I right?Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-31982489167451519312017-10-09T13:08:00.000-04:002017-10-09T16:21:44.108-04:00Review: Rossi 1931 Notebooks<div style="text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1526" data-original-width="1600" height="610" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GzMJpG2eJ8c/Wdusr5AvL1I/AAAAAAAAAZc/hlmeDqr5jQElQ7yNn5i1av1oFX5MxKftgCLcBGAs/s640/20171009_130509.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Today I will be reviewing for <a href="https://www.rossi1931.com/" target="_blank">Rossi 1931</a>, an Italian stationery company founded in Borgo San Lorenzo, Florence. They produce greeting cards, journals, decorative and writing papers, and other fine stationery.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-pTNYLMCD0/WduJbwoaxPI/AAAAAAAAAYE/ltgUyTe_GJEU_rXnovjhdSgd7uARemdnACEwYBhgL/s640/20171003_232919.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I was kindly sent ten notebooks to try out, and was excited when a huge package from Italy landed on my doorstep. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBBimu-trTs/WduIXxRzwEI/AAAAAAAAAXo/Q5jAmf1PgSkQb4hnrLxYjIfapb0krLZ8ACLcBGAs/s640/20171003_232845.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The first three notebooks varied in size, but had the same cover material. The smallest notebook had blank pages, while the other two were lined.</div>
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The paper was a smooth and creamy off-white, on which I decided to test my most used pens -- the Pilot G-2 07 and Sakura Pigma Micron 05. </div>
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As you can see, there is some bleed through with the Micron. I was pleased to see only some ghosting with my Pilot.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fYSp9pqzmA/WduJsxl1bkI/AAAAAAAAAZA/ZkN_4mxAVh0zObYhB1DYQS4CbJEgIJtLACEwYBhgL/s1600/20171003_233042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fYSp9pqzmA/WduJsxl1bkI/AAAAAAAAAZA/ZkN_4mxAVh0zObYhB1DYQS4CbJEgIJtLACEwYBhgL/s640/20171003_233042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HwZgdTh55bY/WduJoUKluGI/AAAAAAAAAZA/LQi_5gpHXAcE32as8PXPhRbwbk19UV3jACEwYBhgL/s1600/20171003_233103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HwZgdTh55bY/WduJoUKluGI/AAAAAAAAAZA/LQi_5gpHXAcE32as8PXPhRbwbk19UV3jACEwYBhgL/s640/20171003_233103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Again, minimal ghosting of the Pilot G2 is present, but nothing obstrusive.</div>
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Moving on to this style of notebook, you can see that the cover design is similar. However, the A5 size has blank pages and a sewn binding, whereas the smaller one has lined pages and spiral binding.</div>
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This A5 notebook made me smile, with its lobster cover and red underwater design. Again, this one also has blank pages and a sewn binding.</div>
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The hardcover lined notebooks pictured above made me swoon--I loved the French words and the vintage look. The larger one has gold detail, and both of their elastic closings are similar to the Moleskine.</div>
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Speaking of gold detail, this hardcover blank notebook was also a pleasure to page through. Do you see the gold-lined pages? </div>
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This Pinocchio notebook has a fun and playful look. With the spiral binding and elastic, it looks like a very classy notebook to bring to school or work.</div>
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Overall, I am very impressed with the quality and design of these notebooks. I would be slightly wary about the type of pen to use, but Rossi notebooks work well with my primary writing utensil. While I've always been minimal with my journal covers, the decorative aspect certainly appeals to a number of vintage and stationery aficionados.</div>
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<i>Disclosure: I was sent these notebooks in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own, and I was not compensated in any other way. </i></div>
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-88869155932354185062017-09-23T11:47:00.001-04:002017-09-23T11:47:21.585-04:00Mushrooms and autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was the first day of autumn, yesterday. I saw a mushroom peeking out from the uneven grass of someone's yard. It made me realize how much I missed painting these things of fall: fungi, colorful leaves, fiery trees.<br />
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I cannot wait.Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-37023899685697816572017-09-15T16:26:00.002-04:002017-10-09T14:55:44.834-04:00New books, Pentel paints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a little difficult waking up early again and getting back into the swing of classes, but 18th century satire should help. I've been wanting to read Candide by Voltaire for quite some time, so it was nice to find it at a used book sale earlier this week.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ur4vFejEa4o/Wbwyw2S-0mI/AAAAAAAAAVg/L1YBa2GamPIzvcLtfEf6Cn6yRTM3KecBgCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-09-12%2B12.24.17%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ur4vFejEa4o/Wbwyw2S-0mI/AAAAAAAAAVg/L1YBa2GamPIzvcLtfEf6Cn6yRTM3KecBgCLcBGAs/s640/2017-09-12%2B12.24.17%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My brother also gave me his Pentel watercolor set, which had sat unopened for a long time. I squeezed the tube paint into a small plastic palette, and have been using it since. </div>
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I've been doing a bit of what one would consider to be urban sketching. It just feels so liberating to draw with light, fast pen strokes to capture the essence of a subject. There's a lot for me to still learn, but for now the lack of "rules" has been enjoyable.</div>
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Earlier, I mentioned that I've been exploring different drawing and painting styles. I enjoy the slow, layer-over-layer style of watercolor painting, but trying out new things is always a good experience.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUVSnij4t9g/WbwyxlRPNoI/AAAAAAAAAVo/h2Lr2FWyhS8y68dxcjcIwmZWCer7BHSqQCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-09-12%2B03.04.40%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUVSnij4t9g/WbwyxlRPNoI/AAAAAAAAAVo/h2Lr2FWyhS8y68dxcjcIwmZWCer7BHSqQCLcBGAs/s640/2017-09-12%2B03.04.40%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-79229166588192940412017-09-04T20:55:00.000-04:002017-10-09T13:17:44.716-04:00Started in my Moleskine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBvlLvEwiYo/Wa3yForDWHI/AAAAAAAAAU4/zHkYpYVQiUMmKmAFfkhyRpeQmuTi2vk0QCLcBGAs/s640/2017-09-04%2B01.55.18%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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My first Moleskine came in last month, a pocket hardcover with blank pages. I will be doing a more thorough post with thoughts later on, but I thought I'd mention how easy it is to carry around. Considering that I fill up notebooks extremely quickly, I really appreciate the simplistic and no nonsense style of these.<br />
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As you can see from the photo, it's smaller and more compact than my Midori.<br />
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It's been a little over a week, and I've written a ton. I've also added in washi tape and painted a little, which even surprises me. I've never been too into crafty journaling--I write my words, and that's usually it. But I've been getting a lot of inspiration from different sources, and I've found that I do (sort of) like the color that tape or paint gives to a page.<br />
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I wanted a Moleskine so I could at least say that I tried it out--I mean, I've heard from a number of people who have acted as though it was the god of all notebooks. More on whether I agree with that statement later...</div>
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-5537288634363214662017-08-26T14:16:00.002-04:002017-10-09T13:19:13.971-04:00Review: ZLYC Traveler's Notebooks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxukIT2v6Z4/WZpWoVlsDCI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/maARywxsmuEZpyGDzBioDSkckeIN9jYeACLcBGAs/s1600/20170818_174037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1600" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxukIT2v6Z4/WZpWoVlsDCI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/maARywxsmuEZpyGDzBioDSkckeIN9jYeACLcBGAs/s640/20170818_174037.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ZLYC traveler's notebooks in dark coffee, compared to Midori traveler's notebooks in black.</td></tr>
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Today I will be reviewing for ZLYC, a company whose original aim has been to provide handmade items for their customers. Their main products are handmade leather journals, wallets, purses, and wooden watches. They state that in their brand, one can "find the charm of handmade crafts." </div>
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I was kindly sent the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ZLYC-Refillable-Handmade-Travelers-Notebook/dp/B00ME26WYU" target="_blank">ZLYC Traveler's Notebook set of three</a> in dark coffee to review for you all. The set is usually around $40 on Amazon, but you can buy the passport or standard size individually as well.</div>
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My notebooks came packaged inside of a box with the ZLYC logo.<br />
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Inside, both notebooks were wrapped in plastic bags. Under them was a canvas bag and card.</div>
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Both the passport and standard size covers came with extra black elastic, as well as three inserts: lined, blank, and calendar. These inserts were held by orange elastics, which contrasted really well with the dark brown leather.</div>
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The leather itself is buttery smooth to touch.</div>
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Among the aspects I want to point out about ZLYC, I especially like how the notebooks are sewn, rather than stapled. It makes them feel much more secure.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3yn7kkhJ1o/WZpUzEbW2PI/AAAAAAAAAQk/nFEAtBRNxoIrvR3MOnL5K-V6-z3v9lVIgCLcBGAs/s640/20170818_174107.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Both ZLYC and Midori have tin clasps, although they differ in color and shape. The ZLYC elastic is also thicker than Midori's.</div>
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I know that some people don't like how Midori covers have the elastic knot on the back cover, which can interfere with writing. They might appreciate the fact that the ZLYC elastic starts at the spine.</div>
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I'll start with the standard cover.</div>
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The standard cover came wrapped with the leather pen holder. I tried housing one of my Pilot G2s in the case, but it was a tight fit. Realistically, I don't see myself using it.<br />
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The blank insert has off-white, creamy paper. I noted that the ZLYC paper felt slightly thicker than Midori's.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="1600" height="618" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCWg0VbfHek/WZdxjgzsdJI/AAAAAAAAAOw/ZvcRsOVOcWIGVZrjk_yBJRYMRaUKmBVVACLcBGAs/s640/20170818_174238.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="1600" height="560" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya0k1cIOyHk/WZdyX12LEYI/AAAAAAAAAPA/zR-9xdsZnLkyoEL5nOrcVeso-JDrta42QCLcBGAs/s640/20170818_174159.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The PVC insert has a zipper pouch and card slots. The plastic feels fairly durable. If desired, you could turn your notebook into a wallet.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1579" data-original-width="1600" height="630" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXpLQv2TgUo/WZdxkTWotRI/AAAAAAAAAO0/RLFgg5ckWLIKjkuolq3YijqCn09ajBBawCLcBGAs/s640/20170818_174214.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This calendar insert has a strange format, with every two pages containing squares numbered 1-31. It's not something I'm accustomed to, so I don't think I'll be using the passport or standard calendar inserts.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1571" data-original-width="1600" height="628" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMKzScnwqD8/WZdyZRz7-wI/AAAAAAAAAPI/ktZ-fE8wFeczFVoc5OBIzckh97DFRHaNACLcBGAs/s640/20170818_174141.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I liked the lined insert, especially because I enjoy writing. The grey dashed lines are inconspicuous and easy on the eyes.</div>
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It would be rather redundant to show photos of the passport inserts, as they are virtually the same as the standard's--apart from the smaller size. I thought it would be helpful to take out my inserts and compare the ZLYC passport cover to Midori's.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1582" data-original-width="1600" height="632" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xiJfRk8ZCto/WZdwJHBDfbI/AAAAAAAAAOc/W_24XdsgaJAiUDaHz-hUfXHbflT3dqDNACLcBGAs/s640/20170818_173911.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I didn't enjoy how tight the elastics were. As you can tell from the photo above, the Midori cover lays pretty flat, whereas the ZLYC passport curls inwards--a sure sign of tight elastics. This made removing inserts a hassle. I didn't have this issue with the standard notebook cover, though.</div>
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Something I also noticed was how the ZLYC cover was slightly wider than Midori's. Often, when using three paper inserts or so in a Midori notebook, there's a bit of "overhang." Due to ZLYC's larger cover, one doesn't face the same problem. </div>
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Because I wanted to show how the ZLYC notebook looked after a week of use, I decided that I would take the passport size out everyday.</div>
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This is my ZLYC after a week of use. I was pleasantly surprised at how easily the leather was scratched and scuffed up, but I guess that's the "vintage" aspect of it. The dark coffee color is really good for those who want the Indiana Jones look right away.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0d-_we9Nof0/WaGuASlj1sI/AAAAAAAAATM/aeZ2cP0mGsAXe3XT3ur76OWnYolGGG6lwCLcBGAs/s640/20170826_131540.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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In addition, I was interested in seeing how the paper would hold up to watercolor and ink. I wasn't expecting professional watercolor paper quality, but I wanted to know if painting was possible.</div>
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The paper holds up surprisingly well to watercolor. Warping of the page was expected, but there was no bleed through or damage to the other pages. As you can see from the above photo, I used my Pilot G2 pen and experienced ghosting and what appears to be a dot that bled through. This did not affect future writing.</div>
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The verdict? The ZLYC notebooks are an affordable alternative to Midori. They come with extra inserts, and gain a lot of character in a short amount of time. I'm happy with the feel of the leather and the paper. This set would be a good option for writers and journalers alike.</div>
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<i>Disclosure: I was sent this notebook set in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own, and I was not compensated in any other way.</i></div>
Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-41733602681598018292017-08-17T15:56:00.005-04:002017-08-22T19:50:59.174-04:00On keeping book translations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tN7Cq_OESaA/WZXxrmcfWsI/AAAAAAAAALE/y6d8FD_zESs07TtVZawiRIpajBBXcNtMACLcBGAs/s640/2017-08-17%2B03.39.00%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I want to know whether or not I'm the only one who keeps copies of book translations to read in the future. <i>The Stranger</i> by Albert Camus is one of my all-time favorite books, but I know that with all translations of foreign novels, some meaning is lost. I've always wanted to read foreign literature in their original languages.</div>
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So I've kept this French copy, in hopes that I will be able to read it at some point. It motivates me to keep going with learning French. Perhaps not knowing some words during classes frustrates me, or memorizing grammar rules is tedious. But at the end of the day, I know that the work will pay off and I'll be abl<span style="font-family: inherit;">e to read a number of French books, including <i>L'</i><span style="background-color: white;"><i>étranger</i>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">While thinking about this, I realized it could be compared to the actions of individuals who purchase clothes a size or two smaller, in hopes that they will someday be able to fit into them through hard work and weight loss. </span></div>
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So this book is one of my many motivations for learning French. But as someone who loves literature, it's a damn good one. Do any of you do the same (keeping objects), but not necessarily for language learning?</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9J2PYyH9xo/WZXxr9noSJI/AAAAAAAAALI/vSEJGUxKJm0SAY5aa7Fuf09reza3fklTgCLcBGAs/s640/2017-08-17%2B03.39.34%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-24193279906482783752017-08-15T17:44:00.002-04:002017-08-22T19:51:12.490-04:00A painted fish and reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="871" height="611" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJGnq94RJG0/WZNo4lvz_ZI/AAAAAAAAAJw/ciykqP2UpukfM0P12ufN7DxA9laMapugQCLcBGAs/s640/pais.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I had to pull out some of my smaller paintbrushes for this one, as the fish scales require more detail. </div>
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What have you been reading? <i>The Botany of Desire</i> by Michael Pollan caught my eye recently. It is one of those books that you know you need to read, but never find the time to. Well, now I've found the time--and the book has not disappointed. Learning about the relationships between humans and plants, I've really been savoring the language.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5sqop39Rqs/WZNtQznYkzI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Htwb--pzM7UzkAezivum4vrAiQHWLWl1wCLcBGAs/s640/2017-08-15%2B05.51.11%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I've been focusing more on drawing cartoons, as it's just something that I've never really explored before. I like how free it is--I don't have to worry over whether or not it looks realistic. I can take illustrations in the direction I desire. </div>
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So perhaps I'll stick with cartoons for now. Though, to be perfectly honest with you, <i>The Botany of Desire</i> is really pushing me to paint a realistic apple. </div>
Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-71581910319219275772017-07-17T23:33:00.004-04:002017-08-22T19:51:26.251-04:00Poem excerpt on inside page<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_HJz6WYsgLw/WW1_fb1ZKNI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Kerg2qJeW6ATCUrQ408YtLQqZhQ-dONqwCLcBGAs/s640/2017-07-16%2B02.40.05%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The inside cover pages of notebooks are always precious spots to decorate--with words, with tape, something that sticks. It's the first thing I flip to, and for that I want something that holds special meaning.</div>
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I absolutely adore the poem "The Tent" by Naomi Shihab Nye, and so I decided to write down an excerpt. It's beautiful and a work you want to remember.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The Tent</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Naomi Shihab Nye, 1952</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When did hordes of sentences start beginning with So?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As if everything were always pending, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">leaning on what came before.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What can you expect? </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Loneliness everywhere, entertained or kept in storage.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So you felt anxious to be alone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Easier to hear, explore a city, room,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">mound of hours, no one walking beside you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Talking to self endlessly, but mostly listening.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This would not be strange.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It would be the tent you slept in.<br /><br />Waking calmly inside whatever</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">you had to do would be freedom.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It would be your country.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The men in front of me had whole acres</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">in their eyes. I could feel them cross, recross each day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Memory, stitched. History, soothed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What we do or might prefer to do. Have done.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How we got here. Telling ourselves a story</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">till it’s compact enough to bear. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Passing the walls, wearing the sky,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">the slight bow and rising of trees.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everything ceaselessly holding us close.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So we are accompanied.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Never cast out without a line of language to reel us back.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That is what happened, how I got here.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So maybe. One way anyway.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A story was sewn, seed sown,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">this was what patriotism meant to me—</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">to be at home inside my own head long enough</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">to accept its infinite freedom</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and move forward anywhere, to mysteries coming.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even at night in a desert, temperatures plummet,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">billowing tent flaps murmur to one other.</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09MzV74XPxk/WW1_ikAl4ZI/AAAAAAAAAH8/phDveXZmtooD6L0WkD5l8a0C89abKgjwQCEwYBhgL/s640/2017-07-16%2B02.44.09%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-35314213477953098572017-07-16T18:13:00.001-04:002017-08-22T19:51:44.561-04:00Making a watercolor chart for Cotman paints<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6gdyw3qsTU/WWvfeeslbvI/AAAAAAAAAHY/s7nbYAWeaZgaehXpo-wgs3-G3uwCVUEWACK4BGAYYCw/s640/cotmanchartpic.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I thought it was about time that I put together a watercolor chart for my Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolor paints. Mixing colors and painting small squares took a little while, but was enjoyable. </div>
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The set that I usually use is the Cotman sketchers' pocket box, which consists of 12 half pans. However, I used and swapped out two of the original paints. My set is now comprised of:</div>
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lemon yellow hue</div>
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cadmium yellow hue</div>
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yellow ochre</div>
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cadmium red pale hue</div>
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rose madder hue*</div>
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ultramarine</div>
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phthalo blue</div>
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sap green</div>
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viridian hue</div>
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burnt sienna</div>
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indian red*</div>
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burnt umber</div>
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*did not come with original set<br />
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Below is the scanned color chart. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="637" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOx_KM9CFkI/WWviRTwlEjI/AAAAAAAAAHk/_43_ngcdTSwrVnEuseou-Wx06zDcrhqdACLcBGAs/s1600/finalcolorhcart.jpg" /></div>
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I don't know about you, but I always find the mixing and blending of colors to be so fascinating. </div>
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-34428936674429443292017-07-15T15:40:00.001-04:002017-08-22T19:52:05.995-04:00Unboxing of Midori Traveler's Notebook black passport<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NdQtSqQfYf0/WWppIKp5gKI/AAAAAAAAAG8/SEtgfSacTJUNElTeGaIvGwYC82JhLpbzgCLcBGAs/s640/2017-07-15%2B03.05.36%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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My black Midori traveler's notebook in passport size came in this week, so I thought I would share the unboxing with you.</div>
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My standard sized Midori has been with me for over a year, and I've been able to use it to document travels and daily life, both through paint and words. I had wanted a passport notebook due to the small size, as well as the fact that I could use it as a wallet on trips. Unfortunately, it was too expensive for me to purchase for a while. When I found it on sale, I jumped at the chance to purchase it.</div>
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Before I go on--please disregard the yellow paint stain in some of the photos. I thought that just about anything could be wiped off my kitchen table, but apparently that isn't the case.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TpEy3bY2vp0/WWppKCfnWbI/AAAAAAAAAHA/CKYWlY6p_-0ez2tM_UBBRmLd38HYwUMmQCLcBGAs/s640/2017-07-15%2B03.01.40%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFdcVVKDpKA/WWppIGSZ_0I/AAAAAAAAAG4/LySgWppIHic-W4y5ygN4i4PXzmXK3WQHwCLcBGAs/s640/2017-07-15%2B03.02.38%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Here is the usual packaging. An extra red elastic and instructions written in Japanese were included in the brown cardboard box. The notebook cover and blank refill came enclosed in the cloth bag.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLrXHkodqUY/WWppHoY7GEI/AAAAAAAAAG0/rv30ba4O6EQABWDSl8vTQuzIhRhgFXgGACLcBGAs/s640/2017-07-15%2B03.03.48%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I can't wait to start using this notebook and seeing it wear over time.</div>
Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888650997503232223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706377253182329889.post-29466864639492866452017-06-11T18:43:00.002-04:002017-08-22T19:56:00.111-04:00Up until now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="598" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QNB1TpU4eA/WTxGjhpBftI/AAAAAAAAAAM/_D-O-MgO-wwc9BcOX4f1bpXi2AcQQD-iQCLcB/s1600/eg.png" /></div>
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I thought it would be nice to compile my process photos from the past year--times spent writing in my black midori traveler's notebook, painting, or reading a good book. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X42-I0LElTo/WT2eA5xxbZI/AAAAAAAAABA/2o4SgobiLWwS2qQ1h9CYNFUxCrRNuVZRgCLcB/s640/2016-08-07%2B03.26.53%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="1425" height="638" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iePAeawggKs/WT2d-7Cu_3I/AAAAAAAAAA4/ZHFM3-yy8C0rIVABZ23a8ZUurne9Q_iGwCLcB/s640/2016-08-07%2B12.14.40%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TINczIQTTFI/WT2eEbbu3uI/AAAAAAAAABI/h9GnTyheDwonEXfMoo5XuJZFn_0u16jxQCLcB/s640/2016-08-08%2B06.56.08%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1434" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4x7X3d1KbkM/WT2eAu4xxkI/AAAAAAAAAA8/46ZNfkCAkSAWTFs46ki8v2zXi6lRMhL2QCLcB/s640/2016-08-08%2B07.05.42%2B1.jpg" width="638" /></div>
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